Media Activity: Visual Recall - 6

In the "Thor" trailer, a number of characters appear throughout. Firstly, we see groups of workers in an office, dressed in suits, which represents authority and power. Next, we see a group of doctors in uniform - light blue, which connotes calmness. In another shot, we see a SWAT team aiming with their guns. They are all dressed in the same uniform, in black; this presents them as unified, and having power. The figure that we assume to be the main character is first seen with blonde, shoulder length hair and a scruffy beard. His untidiness presents him as a rebellious character, and his dark coloured clothes emphasise his confidence and importance. Warriors in heavy armour are featured in the trailer, also. Their armour has a similar connotation as the SWAT team’s uniform – teamwork and unity. Women aren’t featured a lot in the trailer, and when they are, they are wearing elegant Greek/Roman gowns with jewellery on. Their costumes present them as of a high class and importance. The only other women featured is the main character’s love interest, and she is mainly dressed in black, which suggests that she is mysterious, sophisticated and elegant.

Media Activity: Aural Recall

For this activity, I watched the promotional trailer to "Thor", to be released in May 2011. An ominous score can be heard throughout the trailer, establishing the tone and, as the trailer builds up the tension, it subtly changes to heavy metal music. Distinct, diegetic sounds of fighting, explosions, knife wielding and screaming, both in pain and victory, are featured in order to present the film as a somewhat violent action adventure. When dialogue is heard, it is of loud, booming voices, often two or more characters shouting and asserting their authority. Words such as "sacrifice", "fate" and "war" are emphasised, emphasising the genre of the film. Explicit sounds of rain, thunder and wind are played all the way through.